Just received Mid America Chambered exhaust... Question

[olouieo]

Well, I just received my Mid America Chambered exhaust. Any advice, tips, instructions or how to before I screw this up? Is this as simple as it looks? Or should I just take it the a muffler shop? since I have new exhaust tips to weld anyways. I plan to take on this project sometime this week. Thank you for your time.

 

[TWINRAY]

Well, I just received my Mid America Chambered exhaust. Any advice, tips, instructions or how to before I screw this up? Is this as simple as it looks? Or should I just take it the a muffler shop? since I have new exhaust tips to weld anyways. I plan to take on this project sometime this week. Thank you for your time.

Make sure pieces fit into one another before you are under the car. You may need a pipe expander to "round" the ends for a fit. I did on a normal exhaust from Zip. It's easier to do before.

 

[photovette]

They are the biggest pain in the butt ever--take it to a shop. Next time I will just have the muffler shop make me a system from scratch. They do sound pretty good though--they were a bit too loud, so I had them put small glass packs in back--they reduced the volume considerably, while still retaining the sound. I've had them for 2 years now.

 

[Stallion]

Too loud? I don't think I can imagine that.

 

[olouieo]

Thanks guys. The more people I talk to, the more I'm leaning towards just going to a shop. I guess I'll make my decision when I get a quote from a shop.

 

[Eric]

Thanks guys. The more people I talk to, the more I'm leaning towards just going to a shop. I guess I'll make my decision when I get a quote from a shop.

It really depends how much time, space, and patience you have. I installed mine in an afternoon and it was pretty easy. But if I had it to do again, I'd probably take it to a shop and let them install it. They fit great and hung perfectly after just a few adjustments but it took me several times jacking the car back up to eliminate the pesky little leaks. The labor for just installing an exhaust system would have been more than worth it.

I would caution you on one thing. I'm guessing the exhaust has been in place a long time. Before you take it to a shop, spray the heck out of the three bolts on each manifold so that the shop doesn't snap the bolts and have to drill it out. Not a huge issue but one less thing to worry about.

As for sound, mine was a ragtop and I never put the top up unless it was parked so the sound was always pretty well difused. I have heard coupe drivers who said it was pretty loud at cruising speed. I loved the sound and so did my wife, who was very skeptical going in. The funniest part is it scared the heck out of 5.slows and others who thought my measly L-48 had been replaced by a big block.:L

 

[photovette]

The biggest problem I had was lining everything up right so it wouldn't touch the frame. I eventually took it to a shop and they welded all the pipes together. Getting the old system off is just bruised knuckles and a lot of sweat! Cursing helps too. Yeh, spray those exhaust manifold bolts--for about a week! I broke off 2 of them anyhow!

It was very loud, and still is, but now, with the glass packs, it has more of a big block muted 'thump, thump' sound at idle.

The only problem I have now is on the interstate. I do a lot of long distance driving for photo shoots, and the droning tends to put me to sleep--it also puts the models to sleep too--poor little things go out like a light. Of course the only way they can nap comfortably is to put their head on my lap and curl up. That keeps me awake enough to get home--most times.

 

[Eric]

...Getting the old system off is just bruised knuckles and a lot of sweat! Cursing helps too. ...

Indeed it does! I haven't found a car or home project where it isn't a plus.

- Eric

 

[olouieo]

Before you take it to a shop, spray the heck out of the three bolts on each manifold so that the shop doesn't snap the bolts and have to drill it out.

Thanks for the tip. I did not even think of that.

 

[TWINRAY]

I would caution you on one thing. I'm guessing the exhaust has been in place a long time. Before you take it to a shop, spray the heck out of the three bolts on each manifold so that the shop doesn't snap the bolts and have to drill it out. Not a huge issue but one less thing to worry about.

If you get the opportunity (car is apart in the motor compartment etc) and the studs are worn out (when they are old they get thin) pull the manifolds out and replace the studs. They make replacements in Stainless Steel (nuts and bolts) or you can get SS studs with brass nuts. While I try to do everything myself, stud replacement is best left for those who know. You don't want to snap a stud and then have to drill and tap. My regular gas station mechanic (who I support only with mandatory state inspections) knew what he was doing. They heat the studs to a certain point and vice grip twist the stud, reheat, vice grip etc. I saw him do it and like I said, he knew what he was doing. You can't get it hot enough with a Bernzo torch, you need aceledine (spelling). He got all 6 out without a problem but like I said, if one busts, you have an additional headache. If you have a thinned stud, it will never tighten up and stay tightened.

 

[windrider50]

I installed the chambered exhaust from MAD on my 72 BB. It actually went pretty smoothly. I used a little Map gas on the manifold nuts, and they cooperated. I used copious amounts of Never -seize paste on the studs before re installing the nuts. I used my Sawzall to remove the old system, came out real quick in convienient chunks sized for easy disposal.

I found the fit to be good right out of the box, I did end up adding a bracket on each side onto the cross member just in front of the spare tire carrier, and used them to mount a hanger to hold the pipes up in the rear. Other than that it went real smooth.

All things considered it took about 3-4 hours on a rainy Sat afternoon.

I would do it again, but to each their own.

It sounds loud & mean, just like the car was designed to sound like, IMHO.

NJ BB Ken

 

[billyvette]

you might consider using brass nuts on the manifold studs, they should not sieze up.
you might have to use 2 nuts and tighten them against each other to prevent coming loose. it is a very good time to consider headers, or finishing the manifolds with some type of rust preventative coating.

 

[Whiplash]

You can do it yourself pretty easily. Prefit before you install and soak the bolts like said above. I'm not sure about the MAD kit but my kit brought the pipes from 2 in to 2.5 in. You need to have the proper bracket for under the transmission for the 2.5 to fit on a 4spd, not sure on an auto. Make sure you get the rear portion as close to the rear suspension as possible. If not it will bottom out going over bumpy roads. I had my Z06 hurt at a muffler shop before so I don't like to bring either of them into the shop when it can be done myself.

It really is a straight forward install. Just takes time and patience.